Of those business operators that did not expect to be with their current business in 12 months time, 37% reported that they expected to be changing jobs or seeking other employment. This was followed by 28% who indicated they would be retiring, 13% who expected their business would be downsizing or closing, 8% who were anticipating to return to study, travel and/or were departing the business for family reasons and 2% who had seasonal or temporary jobs. The remaining 12% reported other reasons.

A greater proportion of males (30%) than females (24%) indicated they were retiring, whereas a greater proportion of females (16%) than males (12%) expected their business would be downsizing or closing. In addition, a greater proportion of females (11%) than males (7%) were returning to study, travel or were departing for family reasons.

There was a higher proportion of non-business operators who expected to be changing jobs or seeking other employment (57%) compared to business operators (37%). There was also a higher proportion of non-business operators expecting to be returning to study, travel and/or would be departing for family reasons (16% compared with 8%). In addition, 9% who were expecting that seasonal or temporary work arrangements would require them to leave their current employment.

A lower proportion of non-business operators anticipated departure due to retirement (7% compared with 28%) or because their employer would be downsizing or closing (3% compared with 13%).